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alatus-imperatrix · 2 years

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you're the star i look for every night.

pairing: dainsleif x gn!reader

genre: fluff, angst, hurt/comfort

warnings: !spoiler warning for requiem of the echoing depths archon quest! other than that, kissing, stargazing, sleeping together (non-sexually), crying

word count: 1,026

a/n: omg it's been a hot minute since i've been on here anyways i love dainsleif enjoy <33

art credit: mybloodynails on twitter

The cool breeze caused tufts of hair to tickle your cheeks; dark green grass prodding at your feet. Here you were, near the edge of Starsnatch Cliff, stargazing with the man you had fallen in love with. As he explained in intricate detail the stories regarding certain constellations, you found yourself to be quite enraptured by his beauty. His blonde hair was swaying gently in the breeze, moonlight reflecting upon his teal irises. He spoke while looking intently at the stars, and though you had been listening earlier, right now you felt an immense urge to kiss him. And so you did.

Dainsleif's eyes widened initially, but you felt him smile in the kiss once he got used to the feeling. It was a soft kiss, once that you cherished greatly and wished for to never end. You felt an arm snake around your waist to keep you steady as you deepened the kiss, tangling your fingers in your lover's oh-so-silky hair. Disappointingly, he pulled away after a few moments, but not before planting one last peck on your lips.

After your short interruption, Dainsleif continued explaining the tale behind a certain constellation, while you listened keenly. Curious about a certain pattern you observed in the dark sky, you asked Dain if it was another constellation. A pained look flickered across his features, but it was gone as quickly as it appeared.

“That constellation depicts an octagram: an eight-angled star that represents Khaenri'ah's royal Eclipse Dynasty. Would...you like to know more about it?”

You shook your head, not wanting to bring up bad memories for the knight. Though it seems the damage had already been done, judging by the way he wistfully continued staring at it, as if caught in past memories. You looked away, focusing on a Cecilia nearby, when unexpectedly you heard a soft sniff from your right. Glancing at Dain, you noticed a single tear flow down his cheek.

“Hey, what happened?” You said, alarmed at the sudden display of emotion, immediately rushing over in front of him to wipe away the tear. “I'm sorry for asking about the constellation. I won't bring it up again.”

“No, it's not your fault,” said he, voice becoming somewhat deeper as a result of emotion. “I'm fine. It's nothing, i-it's probably just the breeze. Shall we return now?”

Not convinced with his explanation, you reassured him, “You can talk to me about anything. I won't judge, of course. I'll try my best to comfort you, Dain.”

At this, the male seemed conflicted. He knew you'd never be able to understand the pain he went through. Seeing his homeland be completely destroyed in front of his very eyes. Seeing the people he tried so hard to protect ultimately turn into monsters of the Abyss. Spending each day knowing that what you did simply wasn't enough to save his people. He had failed. And his failure had affected all the people he once knew and loved.

Unbeknownst to Dainsleif who was lost in his thoughts, more tears fell from his eyes as those painful thoughts swirled around his mind. You didn't know exactly what was going through his mind—you just assumed it was about the cataclysm that happened half a millennium ago, and so you brought his head to your chest, rubbing his back gently to try and console him, whispering words of comfort into his ear.

Upon your embrace, he grounded himself, wrapping his arms tight around your body. Allowing himself to freely cry after centuries-long of bottling up all his guilt and remorse. What had occurred just a week prior with his old comrade, Halfdan, just increased the burden in his heart. Right now, in your arms, he finally felt free, even through all the tears that didn't seem like they were about to stop anytime soon. You rested your own head atop his shoulder, still rubbing circles on his back to try and give him some sort of comfort from the pain he was likely reliving.

Once the sniffling became less frequent, Dainsleif, still holding onto you, said quietly, “What have I ever done to deserve you? Me, a cursed knight, who couldn't even protect his people. I don't deserve y—“

“Stop right there.” You said firmly, letting go of Dain and looking him straight in the eye.

Poking a finger square in his chest, you continued. “Look at me.”

Hesitantly, Dainsleif did as you asked (or rather commanded) of him.

“You did your very best to save your people. But unfortunately the gods had other plans. How could a single mortal be able to counter countless gods? It's not possible,” you said, though your voice started to waver a little. “And it was unfair. Extremely unfair. And I know it hurts feeling like you were responsible for its destruction, but you weren't. It was the gods. So don't you dare think you don't deserve anyone like me. Hell, I should be wondering what I did to have an all-round amazing man like you love me.”

“Dain, you deserve me and more,” you ended quietly.

At this, his gaze flickered towards the ground, more tears threatening to spill as his hands balled into fists beside him to try and compose himself. You cupped a hand around his cheek, pressing a light kiss on the tip of his nose while you told him: “I love you more than anything, Dain.”

Sighing, Dainsleif leaned his forehead against yours, whispering hoarsely, “I love you too.”

The rest of the night was spent in each other's arms, laying flat on the grass while watching stars pass by until slumber took over the two of you.

Even though he still felt guilt for the events that happened five hundred years ago, Dainsleif was confident that he had never felt so happy and content, cherished and loved as he did just before he fell asleep, with you huddled up close to him for warmth, his cape acting as a blanket of sorts.

Your hair tickled his neck as you snuggled closer to him in sleep, wanting to be nearer. The action caused him to crack a smile.

He was absolutely smitten.

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alieinthemorning · 3 months

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The Stars’ Stigmata [Kaeya Alberich]

Content: Angst, Genshin Impact Chapter II: Omnipresence Over Mortals Act IV: Requiem of the Echoing Depths Spoilers

Pronouns: None

Reblogs: Let me know that you enjoy my work and want to see more, so don’t forget to like and reblog (and comment in the tags. I love seeing people’s rambles in the tags)!

This work’s concepts, plot and original characters are my own which means I do not allow any sort of creative theft nor do I allow my work to be entered into any sort of A.I. bots. Thank you for respecting my space and boundaries.

Today was going to be a bad day. You could tell because of the stone in your stomach, and the constant tickle in your nose. So you spent all day bracing yourself, but miraculously it never came.

Until,

“Do not move, Kaeya.” You instructed as calmly as possible, making sure he was sitting before turning to lock the door.

Hopefully the Knights were preoccupied enough to not bother you during this time.

Archons, you knew today was going to be a bad day.

After locking the door, placing a chair underneath the knob for good measure, you returned to your beloved’s side.

“These aren’t the normal pains.”

He exhaled from his nostrils. “Correct… I feel the curse—ung!” He slammed a fist on his desk.

You grit your teeth as you watched him. Your nails digging into your palms as your anger consumed you. The curse from the gods. The same gods to bless you both with Visions.

How ironic.

How cruel.

“…there’s something aggravating about it—” He ripped his eye patch off.

You gasped. You didn’t mean to you, you’ve seen it before, but—The burn scar he had gained from the fight with Dilic was larger than before like a flower blooming in angry red that mixed with the deep blues and purples.

You were terrified for him. Tears welled in your eyes as you whispered.

“I’m sorry…”

But despite it all, he smiled.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

Regardless, of his kind words and that strained smile.

You knew that more bad days were to come.

Ko-Fi | Commission | Masterlist

#alie ficlets #alie ficlets: version 2.0 #alie series: curiosities #genshin impact x reader #kaeya alberich x reader

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dreamerinthemoonlight · 1 year

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The Thread that Binds a Sinner and God

Summary: Zhongli awakens his soulmate bond, when he never thought he would. Of course, he didn't expect for his soulmate to be Dainsleif

Word Count: 2584

CW/TW: Mentions of Death, Spoilers for requiem of the echoing depths archon interlude quest, Angst with a happy ending

Zhongli x Dainsleif

Requests are OPEN

Zhongli makes his way along the lake that pools at the base of the Huaguang Stone forest.

In the late afternoon sun, the pillars and surrounding mountains cast long shadows across the valley.

Zhongli sighs as he raises his eyes to the cloudless sky.

Not for the first time, especially since giving up his gnosis, the weight of the past settles on his shoulder like stone. It’s like the river of time is a tangible thing, surrounding him, both leaving him behind and inexorably sweeping him along in its wake.

It feels like only yesterday that he stood next to Azhdaha, defending Liyue side by side. And yet only a few hours before they said a goodbye he never thought they’d get.

Zhongli’s gaze falls from the sky to the homes of his fellow adepti. His heart clenches. One day he’ll be saying goodbye to those age old friends too. Time and erosion slowly carrying them to an inevitable end.

The ancient adeptus shakes his head vigorously, clearing his mind with a reminder that this is the natural order of the world, that even he will fall one day.

A pinch in his pinky draws him out of his musings.

Zhongli raises his hand only to find a scarlet thread tied around it.

The tail of the string pulls taut, disappearing a few feet from him, though he’s well aware that someone else is on the other end.

He touches the thread, giving it a gentle tug, smiling when a faint presence in his mind gives a start.

After six millenia, he finally has a soulmate.

Perhaps the stars have some plan for him yet.

That night, Zhongli decides to leave the bond be. After all, there’s enough distance between the two of them that only the strongest of emotions and the worst possible pain filter down the bond created by the string.

Every now and then, Zhongli will be laying in bed at night and the faintest hint of sadness or apathy, but nothing strong.

The greatest change brought on by the soulmate bond is the teasing he receives from Hu Tao and others he interacts with.

One bright day, Zhongli sits outside the Third Round Knockout, listening to one of Iron-tongue Tian’s stories.

His right hand absentmindedly fiddles with the string hanging from his left.

Over the last few weeks its length has become far less taut, coinciding with a strengthening in the emotion that flows down it.

It’s been almost painful, the way his soulmate seems to alternate between emptiness, fierce determination, and hate. It’s been all he can do to keep projecting a sense of comfort down the bond, but so far it’s done little to ease his soulmate's pain.

Today is a bit of an exception. For once there is a sense of recognition and even fondness, though for some strange reason it’s paired with scorn.

Halfway through Iron-tongue Tian’s story, the constant flow of emotion shifts, flaring into something stronger. Desperation, grief, fear, and rage spill over in heavy waves. Before he can think about it, Zhongli stands, leaving the Third Round Knockout and racing through Liyue’s side streets.

Before he can leave Chihu Rock however, a wave of pain unlike any he’s ever felt brings him to his knees.

No. No. No. I haven’t even met them yet. Please let them be alright.

Zhongli forces himself to his feet, making sure he’s far out of the city before doing something he never thought he’d do again and shifts form.

Scales replace skin as the former archon takes on his draconic form and takes to the sky.

He keeps low to the ground, knowing that rumors of his “return” would certainly follow if he were to be seen, but urgency demands a faster mode of transportation than human feet.

Zhongli follows the string, which is somehow still visible in this form, crossing the southern regions of Liyue.

At this point the string has shifted, disappearing into the ground a few feet from him. How his soulmate ended up in the chasm underground is a question for later.

For now, Zhongli focuses on skirting the Millelith, fatui, and treasure hoarders.

By the time he slips into a back entrance to the chasm underground the pain and anger have eased, replaced by bone deep weariness and grief.

Despite knowing that his soulmate is probably safe, Zhongli continues on.

While Zhongli makes his way across the chasm underground, Dainsleif watches Aether and Paimon leave.

Paimon chatters to Aether, reassuring him that they’ll meet again. Why they’d want to after he threatened to kill Aether if he sided with his sister, he doesn’t quite know, but at the moment it doesn’t matter.

Waves of residual pain wash over him as he approaches Halfdan’s body. There’s no way he’s leaving him here, to rot where he fell.

He lifts his brother in arms and carries him out of the ruins, before placing him in a small cave and bringing the entrance down.

Dain sits by the collapsed cave entrance, letting waves of residual pain wash over him. The tears he refused to let Aether and Paimon see well up in his eyes.

Would that he had the ability to take Halfdan’s body back to their homeland, but that place is sealed off. Sealed off and far, far away.

“I’m sorry, brother. Thank you for doing what I could not.”

Dainsleif closes his eyes and falls into uneasy sleep, uncaring of the scarlet string that grows ever shorter.

Zhongli finds Dain leaving up against a pile of fallen rocks, face twisted in obvious pain.

For the first time, the scarlet thread attached to his pinky is fully visible, tied to the man in front of him.

Zhongli leaves the man be for a moment, finding a sheltered nook to set up a makeshift camp in. A wave of his hand grinds stone half a foot deep into soft sand, before starting a fire.

He returns to his soulmate, gently lifting him and moving him to the camp.

Once Dain is settled, Zhongli frowns. Running off after his soulmate without any preparation may not have been his best idea.

Then again, looking at his soulmate, he’d rather be here. That being said… there’s a way to get them out. It would be difficult, without the gnosis to aid him, but possible. Whether or not his soulmate would thank him is another issue entirely.

Dainsleif rolls over on his side, and another wave of pain overwhelms him.

No. As much as he’d rather wait for his soulmate’s permission, they're going to have to leave at some point and the blond needs a comfortable place to recover. Comfortable and safe.

With his decision made, Zhongli picks Dainsleif up again, muttering soft words of comfort when the man groans before facing the back wall.

A barked word creates a large jagged crack in the wall, through which he can see the western edge of the harbor, not far from the place where he makes his home.

He steps through and makes his way down the path to the small house.

He has to set Dain down for a moment to let them in, but within a few minutes, Zhongli has him settled in bed.

Zhongli looks over at his soulmate and sighs. All he can do now is wait.

Dainsleif wakes to complete and total darkness. Oddly enough, it’s not the confined darkness of the chasm underground, but the brighter darkness of the world above it.

Even odder, he’s tucked in a bed, covered in silk sheets. The soft scent of incense fills the room.

He groans as he sits up, pressing a gloved hand to his pounding head.

“You’re awake.”

The speaker is a tall, dark haired man.

“Where am I?” Dainsleif winces at the rough quality of his voice.

“My home. I wasn’t going to leave you to sleep in the chasm. It’s not safe.”

The response elicits a scowl. “I can take care of myself.”

“I don’t doubt that. You’ve been out for two days. We had no food or water and I was not going to leave your side long enough to find some. Speaking of food, are you hungry?”

Dainsleif is about to answer with a negative and insist on being shown the exit, but his stomach takes this opportunity to rubble at top volume.

The man chuckles. “I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll return shortly.”

As he leaves, Dainsleif finally notices the string that ties them together.

Fuck. I’m royally fucked.

Zhongli hurries back with two trays of food. He sets one on Dain’s lap before placing his own on the table he pulled over to the bedside a few days beforehand.

“Eat. You need it.”

Zhongli does his best to ignore the heavy negative emotions flowing down the bond, at least for now.

As soon as he had seen the star pupils in his soulmate’s eyes, he had known that this would need work, but the longer they are this close together, the more it seems like he’s going to be permanently rejected.

“What’s your name?” Zhongli asks, finally.

“Dainsleif.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Dainsleif. I’m Zhongli.”

At least in this era I am.

Dainsleif furrows his brow. “You’re lying to me. I can feel it.”

“No I’m not. I have been known by many names. Zhongli is the one I have chosen in this era, for who I am now.”

“Will you give me your true name? I’d like to know that much about my soulmate.”

Zhongli nods. “I suppose my ‘true name’ if any really exists would be Morax. Though I would appreciate not being called by that. I keep wondering when my boss is going to connect the dots.”

“Morax is dead.”

“Most people would think so, wouldn’t they? It was simply best for all involved that I seem so.”

Dainsleif glares at Zhongli. “You….”

“I think I will take my leave. I understand that you will need time to process this. I simply ask that you spend enough time here to recover. It is safe here. On that you have my word.”

Zhongli leaves, leaving Dainsleif to his own devices.

What in the abyss is fate thinking? Partnering me with an archon? How am I supposed to be with an archon?

Dainsleif freezes. I wanted to be with my partner. That blasted traveler is really getting to me. What do I do now?

After a moment, Dainsleif registers the emotion crossing the bond. He wonders if Zhongli--Morax-- is aware that he’s sending unspoken comfort down the string tying them together, as if he cares.

He pauses. Perhaps the ancient man does care. He’s clearly tainted with abyssal energy and his eyes are clearly Khaenri’ahn.

All he knows is somewhere deep inside, something inside him is begging him to give the archon a chance.

“Khaenri’ah is gone. I am alone. Halfdan,” he speaks to his friend, unable to help the tears that spill over, “do I give our old enemy and one of the ones who cursed us all, a chance? Do either of us get a chance at redemption?”

He goes unanswered.

Several days pass and Zhongli continues to nurse Dain back to health.

When it seems like Dainsleif isn’t going to push him away, he begins speaking of everyday life. He tells stories of Hu Tao and his fellow employees, and speaks of his fellow adepti.

After Dain’s first sleepless night, Zhongli starts telling ancient bedtime stories. Somehow, the archon’s voice easily lulls him to sleep.

One night, a week after rescuing Dain, Zhongli sits outside his house, watching over Liyue harbor.

The door opens and shuts with a soft thump.

“Good evening, Dainsleif.”

“Do you do this often? Sit out here and watch?”

“Yes. My contract with my people is the most important I’ve ever made. I would do anything to protect them.”

“Even curse another nation?”

“Dainsleif… I cannot speak of it. I made a contract….”

“Even to someone who knows everything?”

“I---I don’t know. I made a contract to never speak of it, to reveal nothing.”

Dainsleif takes a moment to think. He touches the string tying them. After 500 years he’s well aware that the Lord of Geo is truly incapable of breaking a contract.

“Can you think of it? Let me feel how you felt?”

“Smart. You think well.”

Zhongli closes his eyes and the emotions being shared shift.

To Dainsleif’s surprise, there’s nothing cold or heartless about them. Instead, there’s pain, guilt, a sense of resistance, as if there was nothing he could do to stop, even though he might have wanted to.

“I…think I see. You really feel no malice towards us.”

“Only to the ones directly responsible for losing monsters on Liyue. If I could find a way to circumvent my contract, I would. In the time that we have been connected I have grown to care for you, I don’t wish for my silence to cause you any more pain.”

“The past is the past and in truth I do not blame the gods. The ones in power brought it upon themselves. My enemy is not the gods, but the Abyss Order that continues to endanger the world.”

“I understand. Thank you for understanding my limitations.”

“What do you want to do about us?”

“Us? I think it is up to you. I have lived a very, very long time. Perhaps as a young adeptus I might have hoped that I would have a soulmate. But after the Archon War, after Guizhong the God of Dust, died, it seemed too easy to lose a soulmate. Besides, I was more than 3000 years old at that point. It was easy to think I would never see the red string of fate on my own hand. Since giving up my gnosis I have resolved to live as much of a normal life as I can.”

“An archon can live a normal life?”

“We can try. I’ve heard that the Anemo archon also spends his days amongst his people.”

The emotions flowing between them hit a sour note.

“You don’t like him?”

“Barbatos is a lazy drunkard. His nation has long survived without his overt interference. For much of my time as an Archon it seemed very improper.”

“I see.”

“Will you give me a chance, Dainsleif? I am well aware that I have done much to earn your hatred and that Khaenri’ahns have never liked the gods. But fate tied us together anyway.”

“I---I am willing. I have spent a lot of time thinking. I will not give up until I’ve eliminated the abyss order, but if you want to join me, perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad to have a companion once again.”

“I would have to speak to Hu Tao, but I would not mind traveling with you. There is much I haven’t seen in this world. If you will have me, I will help you in your cause. The Abyss Order is a threat to all.”

Dainsleif takes a seat next to his soulmate, letting their knees brush together. “We don’t have to decide now, but I am willing to give you a chance. To give us a chance.”

“Thank you.”

The two men, once on either side of a line drawn in the sand, sit in silence. And when the Harbor finally sleeps, a god and a sinner walk side by side. The string between them vanishes, but the bond forever remains.

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dustofthedailylife · 2 years

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🍁 CW // 2.6 Archon Quest Spoilers - Requiem of the Echoing Depths

The people of Khaen'riah are basically forced to live a life in eternal pain and suffering due to the curse bestowed upon them.

Since Kaeya, too, is Khaen'riahn, I imagine he must be afflicted by the curse in some way, too, meaning he is probably suffering under the curse in a similar way Dainsleif is, seeing as he is still human.

However he seems unaffected and fine on the outside when you meet him but what if behind closed doors he is weighed down by the curse and all the lives that were lost in an equal manner. Plagued with raging nightmares that keep him awake at night with haunting images of the past and make him cry bitter tears because it painfully reminds him of his heritage every single day, only to have to suck it all up and go to work again the next day, while faking a smile.

He seems to me like someone who would keep to himself and would never tell anyone about it, suffering through it all alone.

#🍁 dust rambles #🍁 dust headcanon #genshin impact #genshin imagines #genshin lore #kaeya alberich #kaeya genshin impact #kaeya angst #dainsleif #genshin headcanons #I feel the hurt in my kokoro #like please I want to hug him and tell him everything will be alright

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danafeelingsick · 2 years

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ʜɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪɴ 2/2

ᴘᴀʀᴛ 1

[SPOILERS] Takes place after Chapter II: Act IV of the Archon quest – Requiem of the Echoing Depths, where Dainsleif is found injured and weakened in the chasm, and Aether tries to take care of him.

ᴀᴏ3

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ descriptions of food, comfort (not much), feeding (non-se*ual), nausea, mentions of injury, vomiting

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ 5,2k~

Dainsleif woke up a few hours later, with the impression something or someone had been watching him. There was a sudden noise he couldn't quite place, like the faint rustle of a cape, but it was gone from his memory as fast as it appeared.

Looking around he found nothing but an empty stool beside him, the forgotten book sitting on the side table, and a humid cloth resting on his forehead. A soft sigh escaped his lips as he looked around the room, finding no sign of the traveler anywhere.

He no longer felt that uncomfortable heat enveloping his body, only the cozy gentle warmth of the blankets remained. He felt safe, strangely, it was something he had long forgotten how felt. Even the twisting pain on his side had subsidized, leaving only a bearable almost unnoticeable sting whenever he breathed in too deeply.

He knew he would heal. He would always heal.

It might have been the most peaceful rest he'd have in decades, but he couldn't stay for long. Even if his body was begging him to lay back down and close his eyes for just a few more minutes, he couldn't. If he let his guard down again if he allowed himself to relax–

As if his worries had just spawned into reality, there was a sudden knock on the door, and shortly after, it creaked open. The traveler stepped inside the room, balancing a plate and a steaming teacup in a tray as Paimon held the door open for him.

“Hey, good morning”, he greeted warmly and Dainsleif couldn't help but feel an almost familiar comfort in the tenderness of his voice.

“Morning, Dain!” Paimon waved her small hand as she stopped by Aether's side, floating just above his shoulder. “Paimon hopes you're feeling better now.”

“Were you able to rest?” Aether inquired, his cheerful tone assuming an almost unnoticed wordless caution.

“Indeed, I slept very well”, Dain responded simply, able to muster a muted smile that didn't make it past his eyes.

“That's good to hear”, Aether said, the relief on his face was almost palpable in the sigh he discreetly let out. “Well, I thought you'd be hungry, so I went ahead and made you some fisherman's toast.”

“And Paimon brought the tea!”, the flying fairy announced, then coyly added: “Well, the tea leaves at least.”

Carefully, the traveler settled the tray on the stool, and Dainsleif was able to see the light green-colored liquid inside the teacup and the pile of fresh toast on the plate. He couldn't deny his mouth watered at the sight, but all it did was remind him of the taste of sickness still on his tongue.

He frowned slightly, his eyes wandering to the carpeted floor where he had dumped the contents of his stomach just a few hours ago, not finding a trace of the mess he had made. Still, he felt unsettled, the sight of food sprouting a queasy hollow sensation he had grown quite used to through so many decades.

“How sweet do you like your tea?” Aether asked, carefully picking up the teacup by the wing, and gently blowing the spirals of steams off it before handing it to him. “I didn't put any sugar in it, just to be safe. But if you want it, there's some here.”

“Traveler”, Dainsleif said apprehensively, feeling the warm slosh inside the cup in his hands, a faint sweet smell emanating from it. “I'd rather you don't waste food on me.”

“Don't say that, just say you're not hungry if that's the case”, the traveler frowned at his words, his eyebrows furrowing. “You're not wasting anything.”

“I'm merely saying I might not… be able to keep it down”, Dainsleif admitted, swallowing audibly, a hint of embarrassment coloring his voice.

“Oh, that… yeah. It's fine, we can keep a bucket nearby”, Aether shrugged, pointing to the floor where a newly empty bucket rested under the bed. He tried to sound dismissive, but the man simply glanced away. “Dain, you threw up a lot back there. You should try to eat something.”

“If you don't eat it then Paimon will!”, the floating guide butted in, adding her version of a threat to the conversation.

“Can't you at least try the tea?” Aether pleaded, genuine worry in his frown as he joined his hands. “And just one toast. Please? Then I'll let you sleep some more.”

Although a nap sounded promising, it was the please that made him reconsider. He eyed the cup of tea, letting out a soft sigh as he brought it to his mouth and took a sip, the fresh and sweet flavor of mint bathing his tongue. The content must've been evident in his face, for Aether's expression also softened.

“So, how is it?” Paimon asked, expectantly.

“It's good”, Dain responded simply, almost shrugging as he couldn't find another word for it. It was good, simple as that.

His stomach seemed to be accepting it well enough. Unlike the way food felt like it was burning a hole through his innards, the tea spread a cozy warmth as he swallowed it. But it barely lasted, having him almost unconsciously going for another sip just to feel it again.

He glanced back at the traveler, hoping to find him more relaxed now that his gut didn't immediately reject the tea. Instead, he bumped into a piece of toast inches away from his mouth, and an expectant look right behind it.

“Just a bite”, Aether begged, practically waving the food in front of him. “Please?”

Again with that. Dainsleif rolled his eyes before he nibbled the food, realizing his stubborn refusal would only reflect on the traveler's insistence. He could only hope his stomach would follow.

The scent of onion and tomato filled his nostrils, making his stomach beg for more as he slowly chewed. The crunchy noises were a nice change from the mushy rations he'd always have during his travels, definitely something he couldn't afford to get used to.

Before long, with Aether pushing him to have another bite and then another, until the entire toast was gone and he was already going for one more. This time, Dainsleif picked the food out of his hand and ate it himself, trying to dismiss the small smile forming on the young man's face.

“I hope it's still good, I had to cut on the spice a little”, he said, putting the plate on his lap, trying to be subtle as if he was nudging him to keep eating. “Paimon usually likes it with extra onion”, he added, gesturing towards the little one, who promptly nodded.

“It is Paimon's favorite!”

“It is… quite good, in fact”, Dain retorted, picking up the third toast and mutely praying his stomach would maintain its kindness.

“Well, that's good to hear…”, Aether repeated, glancing away as an awkward silence momentarily fell between. “Do you think you could try some medicine now?”

“Medicine?”, he swallowed first, then echoed.

“I went out while you were asleep and bought some. Explained your symptoms and everything, but don't worry, I didn't say anything about what happened”, Aether explained, sounding almost dismissive as he added: “They said it sounds like a wound infection, but since it's been cleaned, as long as the fever or nausea doesn't come back, these should work.”

Dainsleif let out a small hum, taking another sip of his tea as his mouth suddenly felt dry. It was like night and day, the once fresh sweetness now had a slightly bitter aftertaste, but he fought to ignore it.

“I– I suppose I could try…”, he budged, struggling to swallow around the pit forming in his throat.

Aether nodded, promising he'd be back shortly as he hurried to his feet, taking the empty tray with him as he left. Paimon seemed momentarily lost as the two were left in silence, only the sounds of munching to fill it. Almost absentmindedly she floated to Dain's side, huge eyes fixed on the remaining toast.

Dainsleif ate in silence, his appetite fleeting every time he managed to swallow, adding to the slight discomfort in his belly. It barely hurt but just a few moments ago his stomach had been thoroughly emptied, so he could feel in detail the food sitting there. Nausea was slowly but surely creeping back, making him wish he had dared to refuse it.

“Paimon, would, uh, would you like to have this last one?”, he offered, holding the plate to the floating guide, who jumped back slightly, caught by surprise.

“Are you sure?”, Paimon asked, her eyes growing worried but still glued to the treat. “The traveler made these just for you.”

“Go ahead”, he said gravely, trying to ignore the need to swallow dry as he raised the plate. “I can't stomach any more of it.”

“Hum, alright”, swiftly, she snatched it away, taking a bite out of it bigger than her head. “Paimon won't tell.”

Dainsleif returned to silence once more, taking small meaningless sips out of his tea, trying not to think so much of the now sickly sweet taste. Guilt was the last thing in mind. Had he always been this suggestable? Just the small mention of nausea had him acutely aware of his stomach now tense, even that small amount of food sitting heavily inside it, the bandages digging into it every time he breathed.

He found himself sipping an empty cup as the door clicked open and the traveler entered the room once more, carrying a glass of water and an

open palm. He seemed confident enough that the medicine would stay down as he handed it to Dain, two small white pills which he just stared at, gulping soundly as his throat gave a weak spasm.

“I can break it down if you can't swallow it”, Aether offered along with a sympathetic smile. “But it might work faster if you do.”

“No need, it's fine", Dain responded, downing the pills without thinking twice, that chalky dry taste making his tongue wince inside his mouth. There was enough saliva in his mouth to swallow it safely, but his throat seemed to be actively compressing around the strange body, having him go for the water right after. “Gulp– thank you…”

If he were paying attention, he would've heard the liquid splashing inside his nearly empty stomach, immediately curdling as it mixed with the clumps of toast and the tea. A strange chill spread through his abdomen and he shuddered out of disgust, swallowing thickly what tasted like bitter saliva.

“Alright, now that you're all settled, it should start working in about 30 minutes. More or less”, Aether said, trying to sound just a little more optimistic. He turned to the little floating guide, who was trying her hardest to hide the guilt and the crumbs of toast around her mouth. “Paimon, can you remind me?”

“Sure thing”, she responded, putting her hands behind herself as if to hide the red in it.

Dainsleif let out a sigh as he sunk deeper into the pillow, briefly closing his eyes when a new coat of saliva washed over his tongue. There was a timer now floating over his head, 30 minutes he would have to fight against nausea creeping closer. Maybe if he just focused, then time would go by faster, like it was supposed to when he had lived for so long.

There was a few seconds of silence, where Dain could hear his own throat spasming every time he swallowed, praying he was the only one to hear it. Focusing was proving itself to be useless.

“Well, we'll let you rest now. Just call if you need anything, I'll be in the other room”, he heard the traveler say, a clear nod of sympathy in his voice. The stool creaked as he stood up. “C'mon, Paimon.”

“Wait, Traveler”, Dainsleif called not a second later, catching him as soon as he turned to leave. Even Paimon froze where she stood. “If you don't mind, could you stay?”

“Of course”, Aether hurriedly turned back, concern downing on him once more. “Why, what are you feeling?”

“I… hm”, he started, his voice getting caught in his throat. Was lying even an option anymore? “I think nausea might be… returning.”

The traveler let out a small hum as he thought, taking his place back on the stool.

“I-It's nothing alarming, it's just… the food isn't sitting well”, he reiterated, feeling embarrassment grip his throat. “And I rather not… you know.”

“Got it…”, Aether interjected where he trailed off. “Well, how can I help with that?”

“Oh, does talking help?”, Paimon jumped forward to give her suggestion. “The traveler can tell you some stories, maybe that will distract you for 28 minutes.”

“I suppose…”, it didn't take long for Dain to agree, anything to keep his mind off his queasy stomach. “Then, would you tell me more about your travels?”

The traveler thought for a brief moment, his eyes wandering to the side table where his book lay, and that seemed to spark an idea inside his head. He started recollecting about the Irodori festival held just recently in Inazuma, and all of those great books he got to buy, the people he got to meet, the meetings, the food.

Although he tried to keep it short, resuming the near week of festivities took him just a little longer than he expected, but Dainsleif listened to him politely, as best as he could, even stitching in some questions of his own.

“I must admit, that Legend of Sword book you mentioned… I've leafed through one of its volumes before”, he commented, absentmindedly. “It was an interesting read, as brief as it was. But do go on, don't let me interrupt you.”

“We can get you one signed if you want. We know the author, he's our friend”, Paimon eagerly offered.

Dain chuckled slightly, something Aether never thought he would hear, and politely declined with a shake of his head, motioning for him to continue.

Admittedly, he looked well, much better than when he had arrived, but Aether noticed when he sunk further into the pillows. His breath shuddering faintly, his chest picking up the pace, his face gradually losing even more color. He frowned, but couldn't do much except keep a close eye on him. At some point, Dain even stopped looking at him while he spoke, choosing to lay his head back and close his eyes as he clearly struggled with his nausea.

“Dain?” The traveler's story faded into the question, his tone was soft and cautious as if he expected Dain to snap at him.

He didn't answer at first, the only sounds coming from him were audible gulps, his throat bobbing constantly as he kept swallowing, until his stomach made itself heard, and a low hollow growl came from under the covers. Dainsleif frowned deeply, his face flushing slightly, but it barely lasted, he was growing paler by the second.

He laid a careful hand over his belly, his face pinched in pain and disgust. The half of his mask turned to the traveler giving him an almost out worldly feel.

Aether frowned in sympathy, but he couldn't wallow in pity for long. Quietly, he retrieved a bucket from under the bed, pulling it closer just enough for quick access.

“Just let me know when… okay?”, he said gently, without taking his eyes off Dainsleif.

The wounded captain simply nodded, weakly, remaining in silence, his eyebrows forming a single crooked line as he grimaced, his pale lips pressed into a thin, almost invisible line.

Aether didn't have anything to say anymore, Dain wasn't paying attention, fighting against the threat of another vomiting spell was taking up all of his strength. The man's cheeks caved in as he swallowed again, his mouth was quickly flooded with saliva that seemed to stick to the walls of his throat as it went down.

There was a hint of denial in him still, trying to breathe carefully through his nose, and ignore the growing metallic taste on his tongue. The way his stomach seemed to be tying itself into a knot, cramping mercilessly as it swirled the few contents inside it. The ties around felt like there were tightening on their own, nearly eating away at his bare skin, adding even more discomfort to his bruised stomach. It burned with a hollowness, but there wasn't a single hint of appetite, he couldn't even think of food without–

“Mmm, guh–”, he gagged, his lips parting when his jaw seemed to contort along with his throat.

The thought of putting anything else in his belly, the pills dissolving inside his stomach, turning into a froth, had his throat spasming around a bubble of air climbing its way up, sitting atop his gullet. He didn't dare to force it out, his belly was already bruised from the previous times, so he waited, carefully guiding it until he was able to belch. The acidic taste it brought had his face crumpling like paper.

“E-Excuse me…”, he murmured, bringing a hand to his mouth when another harsh gag made him squeeze his eyes shut.

There was no denying it, he was going to throw up, and it was foolish of him to think that mixture, as light as it was, would go down without a fight. Most foods didn't, it was one of the many side effects of living for so long, tastes became blander and his stomach grew weaker to them.

Dain weakly started slumping forward, his covers falling away from his bare torso, showing the tight bandages underneath, digging into the curvature of his abdomen. He clung to the bed sheets as he rode out another cramp on his belly, it left him breathless. No matter how much he denied it, his stomach was writhing under his skin, and he could feel, in the harsh gags over his lap, the contents of it tossing, climbing up his throat.

The bed creaked slightly, the mattress sinking to the side, but even with all this tells it still took him a moment to realize Aether had sat on the edge by his side. He was too caught up in his own misery.

Dain tried to say something, in between shallow breaths and weaker gags, but his voice didn't come out at first. Instead, his head sunk as his shoulders jumped, a sudden involuntary heave sending his throat jumping to his chin.

Aether mouthed a small “oh” as the surprise hit him, his hand going to cover his mouth. Dainsleif sunk even further into himself, embarrassment ringing in his ears.

“I-It's okay…”, he whispered, leaning to take one of his hands on his own, but he barely grasped his fingers before he drew back.

Another sounding heave had Dain arching forward, pushing out of him an even more graphic gag, his torso nearly folded. Aether turned to look, wanting to ask for the time, but Paimon had been gone for a while now.

Part of him wanted to just thrust the bucket in Dainsleif's lap, but the other part was waiting for his cue. Desperation seemed to be getting a hold of the man, he could see his abdomen caving along each gag, his balled fist digging a hole in the bed sheets.

Dainsleif endured one more gag, a harsh wet-sounding one that made his throat ache as if it was going to pop out. His hopes finally shattered when he felt bile bubbling at the end of his tongue, and he raised a hand to his mouth, hovering close to it, but even so afraid to touch it.

“N-Now, I'm–”, he forced out, words slurring together almost incomprehensible, and he clasped his mouth shut and muffled another gag. “–mmmffff.”

Aether didn't waste a single second, and quickly turned to the ground, picking up the bucket ready for the occasion. As soon as he passed it to him, Dainsleif gripped it with both hands, letting his mouth fall open as a trickle of dense saliva dripped into it, its consistency oddly close to syrup, maybe even denser.

An empty retch tore out of his throat, echoing inside the empty bucket, but only more saliva dripped out, the sound of it sharp as it hit the bottom. Dainsleif blinked away the heat spreading through his eyes, he wanted to cry, but all he did was shake his head slightly, feeling as if a set of eyes was putting weight on him.

“It's okay”, the traveler repeated, gently settling a hand over Dainsleif's bare back, feeling his palm stick to the layer of sweat on his skin. He nearly winced under the touch but didn't try to fall away from it. "I know it's bad now, but you'll get through this.”

He wanted to protest, but his voice was buried under several layers of shuddering slimy nausea, it just wouldn't come out. His jaw was clenching so harshly it was starting to hurt.

It was almost endearing how worried the traveler sounded, both of them were ancient beings, witness to unfathomable events, and still, he sounded so scared. It was pathetic to think he had been reduced to a sick shivering mess wrapped in bandages but after centuries, keeping any degree of dignity would be a miracle.

Aether moved swiftly, getting behind him and gathering his hair away from his face. Despite his short jagged cut, some loose strands had glued themselves to his skin by sweat, and he quickly peeled them off, brushing the pale blonde streaks behind his ears.

Dainsleif must've been sicker than he thought, he flinched when his hand came to rest on his back again, the dizzying nausea only serving to keep his senses on high alert.

He trembled, unable to stop himself from gagging again, this time breaking into a weak retch, but no more than runny saliva came up, dripping from his tongue in a steady trickle. Despite not coming up with anything, the motion had his stomach cramping severely, his eyes squeezing as he endured the pain.

“I'm so sorry… I know I shouldn't have forced you to eat, but…”, the traveler rasped, guilt making his voice break. He tried to soothe him through the cramp, running his hand up and down his back. “I'm sorry…”

“Y-You, ugh”, Dain struggled to get his words out, his voice came from deep in his throat, loaded with disgust. “D-Don't need to… apologize… mmm, guh”, he gulped harshly, a trickle of saliva dripping into the bucket. “It is my own damn fault for– euRrGH.”

He couldn't even finish his sentence. An intense, audible yet empty retch had him squeezing his eyes shut as he leaned into the bucket, his belly clenching so severely it left him breathless.

It was merciless, he could feel each spasm of his inner organs, his stomach cramping as if it was trying to turn itself inside out, squeezing around the little food he had ingested. It wanted out, but it would make him pay dearly for it in the meanwhile.

“Dain?”, the traveler called, his hand going to his shoulder, trying to be gentle as he held him in place. He was starting to slump forward, his muscles sharp under the skin, winding up. “Don't hold back, okay? Just try to get it up.”

Although meaningless, he tried to follow his instruction, and held his mouth open, waiting for a sliver of mercy. One by one, gags poured out of him, saliva flowing out of his mouth in abundance, each one wetter than the one before, until he broke into a retch that scraped the bottom of his throat.

His stomach lurched painfully, finally allowing something of substance to come up, and he gagged once more as an unbearably bitter surge of watery bile coated his tongue, streaming into the bucket without further struggle.

“There you go, keep going…”, Aether coaxed, oh so carefully patting him on the back.

Dain gasped as the stream tapered into a trickle, his back arching as in a blink it turned into a sudden violent gush. The sound of it spraying against the wall of the bucket nearly made him flinch, part of it went over, staining the bed sheets in a watered-down yellow. He blinked in surprise, coughing wetly as that murky corrosive fluid made its way out of his nose, it burned like he wouldn't imagine.

There was already an apology hanging on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn't possibly say anything, his stomach didn't give him the chance. It lurched again, slamming against the wall of his abdomen, sending more of its contents up his throat. It was nothing more than liquid, murky off-yellow water laced with small clumps of toast. It formed a small puddle, curdling as it hit the bottom, barely a mouthful of it.

Dainsleif could taste the mint tea on his tongue, mixed with the water and the characteristic chalky taste of medicine. The onion flavor seemed to overpower all of it, it mixed with the stomach acid to create an unholy smell that refused to clear. He gagged again, unable to block it out, and clumsily spat into the bucket, part of it caught in his chin, but he could do little about the growing mess.

Dain felt his stomach give in to nausea once more, lunging upwards, and sending more of its liquified contents up his throat. He didn't do much to resist, simply letting his mouth fall open as a short gush of watery vomit poured out of him in gurgling retches.

“There, there…”, Aether soothed him through the spell, tenderly running a gloved hand up and down his back. “You'll be okay.”

“I… hope so”, he slurred in response, clumsily spitting into the bucket, a grimace pinching his face in disgust as the bitter taste seemed to sting his tongue anew. ”Ugh… disgusting…”

Aether chuckled briefly, giving his back a few gentle pats. The man would tower over him normally, but his torso was bent like an arch, leaving them at almost the same height.

“It's not that bad”, he said with uncertainty, watching his pale sweaty face loom over the bucket, waiting for the threat to be over. “I mean, it's a natural thing…”

Dain parted his lips as if he was about to say something, but he quickly had to close them, his eyes squeezing shut as he rode out another painful cramp, swallowing audibly as he tried to placate the nausea. Aether felt his back heave under his palm, then stiffen, and his cheeks grew as his mouth filled with more vomit.

He tried holding it for a moment, against all instructions Aether had given him. It was a natural thing, but it wasn't necessary… if he only could hold a bit of food in his stomach, he would recover faster, he wouldn't have to go through this. But it was useless, his stomach lurched, sending puke further into his esophagus and finally spraying out his nostrils in a sudden motion, bursting through his lips a second later.

The puke fell all at once into the bucket, coating the walls in a sickening clumpy mixture of what was once tea and toasted bread, it seemed to cling as it stubbornly slid down to join the mess in the bottom. Dain blinked away tears of exhaustion, drool and snot coating his lips, dribbling down in heavy threads.

“UurgHhH—”, Dain retched painfully, the noise tearing through his throat like razor blades, and more vomit came splashing into the bucket. Then another mouthful of it joined the layer already covering the bottom, pieces of onion covered red spots of the tomato paste. It could've been blood and he wouldn't even notice.

He let out a struggling moan, breaking off into weak wet coughs as his stomach kept lurching, but nothing else would come up. Aether watched in silence, trying not to flinch every time a cough would sound sharper than it should.

”Hey…”, he called softly, leaning in to see his face. Dain had tear tracks running down the uncovered side of his face, and he did his best not to bring attention to it as he brushed a few strands of hair off his face. “Think you're done now?”

He simply nodded weakly, sniffling as he ran a hand under his nose, making more of a mess than if he had left it alone. Aether got up from the bed and excused himself as he started undoing the soiled covers.

“Here, let me”, he asked, offering a clean part to wipe his mouth. Dainsleif looked at him questionably but didn't say a thing. Aether added, trying to sound more comforting. “Don't worry, these are going in the wash anyway.”

“If you say so…”, he rasped, shaking his head, but leaned further as the traveler thoroughly cleaned his mouth and nose.

“Listen, Dain, now I need to call someone”, he informed in a grave tone. Dain hummed in accordance, blowing his nose in the bed covers, then pulling away from it to give him a glassy-eyed stare.

“If you… say so”, he repeated, bringing a hand to his mouth as he swallowed the taste of rot. “I wish I could say this would just pass after a rest, but… it won't work a second time.”

Aether bundled the sheets around the soiled part, holding it over his belly as he shot Dain a sympathetic look.

“Do you want some water to settle your stomach first?”, he offered, uncertainty still hanging in his tone. He wasn't surprised when the man shook his head, his hand never leaving his mouth. “Not even to rinse out the taste?”

“That… that would be good”, he responded weakly, looking at the bucket for a second, then frowning. “Could you take this away? The smell is…”

“Sure, of course”, Aether took the bucket by the rim with one hand, trying to ignore how its contents sloshed inside. “Do you think you'll need it again?”

“I hope not”, he mustered a small chuckle, his hand dropping away from his face now that the offending smell was far enough. “I… don't think I have anything else left, but I shouldn't risk it.”

“I'll be back in a minute with a clean one for you”, the traveler said, trying to sound a little more optimistic, but Dainsleif didn't return the enthusiasm. He couldn't blame him.

He turned for the door, trying to keep a good grip on the side of the bucket, keeping his steps steady enough not to jostle the contents around and get vomit on his glove.

When Aether returned, with a rinsed-out bucket and a cup of cold water, there was a new face in the room. Dainsleif had laid back on the bed, his head turned to the guest. A shivering hand resting over his bare stomach, trying to soothe it with slow careful rubs, while Paimon hovered close to him, unsure of what to do.

“Traveler, 30 minutes have passed!”, she informed him in a tone that shed concern. “Paimon's guessing the medicine didn't work…”

Aether simply did a no with his head, placing the bucket by the bed, the cup on the nightstand, then sitting at the edge of it.

“I'll leave you alone for a bit, okay? While I go get the doctor”, he told Dainsleif, running a few fingers over his hand, but he just nodded, eyes fixed somewhere in the ceiling. “Let's go, Paimon.”

As Aether carefully closed the door behind himself, he couldn't help but bite his lip thinking of how miserable Dainsleif looked. But now what he needed wasn't pity, no, all he needed was someone to take care of him, and Aether was glad it ended up being him.

#emeto #emetophilia #vomiting #food mention #whump #nausea #gen/shin imp/act #gen/shin imp/act dain/sleif #gen/shin imp/act aet/her #platonic caretaking #read as platonic only #hurt and comfort #then hurt again #tw vomit #tw injury mention #dana//emeto fic #my writing

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the-gayest-sky-kid · 2 years

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anyway here's that photo from the cutscene

#i am going to cry over them #a lot #also this means the leaks were right #so we're gonna see old outfit venti cutscene !!!!!!#so excited #halfdan #dainsleif #....#ah fuck it #halfdain #i am going to make this tag a thing and you cannot stop me #swearing cw #archon quest spoilers #2.6 archon quest spoilers #genshin spoilers #requiem of the echoing depths spoilers

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chouchen · 2 years

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Spoilers for the newest Archon Quest//

I just completed the Archon quest Requiem of the Echoing Depths and oh my god I'm just shocked by the huge amount of Lore that they provided, it is too quick for my liking but gosh it was great! I just don't get as to why the Lumine version of the quest is more angst-ier than Aether's, The flower Inteyvat, National flower of Khaenri'ah in Lumine's hair was placed on her hair by Aether if you play as Lumine. If you play as Aether, he just says ''this flower is the one my sister wears''

I CAN'T DO THIS RN, THAT WAS THE SADDEST ARCHON QUEST IN EXSISTENCE

IT WAS SO GOODDD

i was so happy to see dain again but at what cost..

and i didn't know that since i play with aether ! i wondered how they turned that part for lumine players and damn that hurts

now it's time to be lore nerds and i'm waiting for the wiki to update so i can read all or it over again

(also i'm a bit sad we didn't see dain come back with the kiana portal entrance haha)

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niteshade925 · 2 years

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v2.6 Chasm Lore Thoughts Pt.1: Misc and Ancient Lore

(Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4)

Well that was quite a loaded map and story. Also broke the record for the Genshin map that triggered my migraine the fastest lol (the previous record holder was Enkanomiya, predictably).

Alright now for my spoiler-filled thoughts, y’all have been warned.

Miscellaneous Thoughts and Introduction:

Well, I guess MHY is pretty straightforward with the hilichurls’ back story. They are indeed Khaenri’ans. Seriously though, after that reveal with the curse and all that, how does MHY expect me to just go out and murder hilichurls for dailies now? What am I, a fucking villain? Actually I guess I already am huh. :P Goddammit MHY.

Putting in my bets now, Yelan is a special agent for the Qixing, a little bit like Shuumatsuban in Inazuma, except whereas Shuumatsuban serves a particular commission in Inazuman government, Yelan seems to serve the highest level of the government of Liyue (the Qixing) directly.

A little detail about her name: Yelan/夜兰 literally means “night orchid”, the “night” part is probably a little hint about the covert nature of her occupation.

I’m guessing there’s probably going to be more about the Chasm’s story in a later update, since right now there's just way too many things that were mentioned but unexplained, like how Xamaran came to be deep in the Chasm or what exactly the ancient civilization did to deserve a nail from the sky.

There are 3 major parts to the story of the Chasm so far as I can see, and that’s 1) the ancient upside-down city and the nail, or the ancient history of the Chasm, 2) Liyue’s fight against the darkness 500 years ago, or the Cataclysm, and 3) whatever the Abyss Order was up to in the present. So these are also going to be how I will divide up the posts in this series. I will conclude the series with an analysis of the MC Twins and one of the major overall themes of the story, which is perspective on history.

Chasm, Ancient Times:

There was an ancient underground civilization that was visually very similar to the one in Enkanomiya (the angled doors and the weird stone bookshelves are the same, and the statues are also the same) and the one in Dragonspine. (Pictures below; left side taken in Enkanomiya, right side taken in Chasm)

This yet unnamed ancient civilization did something that provoked the gods of Celestia, we don’t know what it was, and the gods threw down the giant nail, the same kind as the one on top of Dragonspine, to destroy this civilization.

If what Paimon’s comments and Dainsleif implied in Requiem of the Echoing Depths is true, then at the time of this civilization’s destruction and for a long time afterwards, the towers at the Nameless Ruins were not inverted. The inversion likely happened in the present time, as a result of the Abyss Order’s actions.

A lot of things are still unexplained about this ancient civilization, what technologies these ancient people have developed, what were their beliefs, what their culture was like, and exactly what it did to provoke Celestia.

Another rather important detail is exactly how the round fragment of the nail broke off and traveled from the westmost and deepest place in the Chasm, all the way to the Eastmost top level of the Chasm. If the nail fragmented as a result of its impact with the city, one would expect it to sit somewhere near the nail, but it isn’t. I have a small theory on why that is, and I will say more about it in part 3.

The round fragment of the nail clearly bear the triple spiral symbol from Celtic culture (can be called Celtic triskelion, though triskeles apparently refer more to the 3-legs Greek version of the symbol). According to the internet, the Celtic triskelion represent three worlds: the celestial, the physical, and the spiritual.

We do have a Celestia in Genshin, but of Teyvat and the Abyss, which is the “physical” and which is the “spiritual“?

This ancient civilization and the other two known ancient civilizations seem to be connected to Khaenri’ah somehow, since the magical glowing pool in the central tower of the Nameless Ruins offer the hilichurls and other former residents of Khaenri’ah some sort of comfort despite their curse.

I have a feeling that we would also find a giant blue crystal nail in Enkanomiya, if it wasn’t for Orobashi’s plan to bring the people of Enkanomiya above the ground, then assimilating them into Inazuma.

Also it’s confirmed that someone from Liyue obtained a part of the blue crystal nail in the deepest part of the Chasm, then forged it into what became known as the weapon Calamity Queller:

The forging of Calamity Queller happened pre-Cataclysm. More on the Calamity Queller later.

The stone pillars surrounding the nail in the Chasm also looked peculiar. They seem to be formed by square-ish large chunks of rock, and remind me of the powers of the Unknown God:

The book Records of Jueyun: Hidden Jade indicates the the giant crater above ground is formed by a “meteor”. However, this “meteor” is somehow “sentient”, “had a proud and agitated temper”, and flew back to the sky during the Archon War because it “could bear this no longer” (weird lol).

Note that Zhongli’s burst is a meteor and is also called “天星” (lit: heavenly star”) in Chinese, same as the word used for the meteor that fell in the Chasm in Records of Jueyun: Hidden Jade. I’m not saying Morax/Zhongli is the one who made that meteor crash into the Chasm--I don’t think there’s any evidence he can create sentient rocks--but perhaps there is a connection of sorts.

I have a vague feeling that this “meteor” wasn’t a real meteor, but a being who fell from the sky. Remember who else “fell from the sky”? Lol.

Another thing to note is the curious shape of the crater in the Chasm. The center of the crater where the rock formation radiated out from the center is what a normal meteor crater should look like. The spiral rock formations on the outside are quite weird and don’t look like they belong there. I don’t know if those were simply added to make the above ground map more interesting, or if they actually indicate anything in the story.

The lore of the ancient civilization in the Chasm is still fairly fragmented still, so we’ll move on to the Cataclysm next.

#genshin impact #genshin lore #liyue chasm #genshin spoilers

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flesh-and-silk · 2 years

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Dainsleif and the Twilight of The Gods

Yes I'm in love with him, yes I can't stop thinking about him, and I'll make it everyone's problem. Spoilers ahead!

⊱ ──────ஓ๑∗๑ஓ ────── ⊰

｡↷ ✧*̥₊˚‧☆ﾐ table of contents!¡ •ଓ.°

┊

┊i. Introduction

┊ii. Name origin

┊iii. The Eternal Battle

┊iv. Twilight of the Gods

┊v. Conclusions

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ ㅤ︶︶︶︶︶︶︶

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i. Introduction

"Dainsleif is a man of mysterious origins but claims to have knowledge of fate itself." - Official Twitter EN and JP VA announcement

Dainsleif is an enigmatic character who shows great curiosity towards people, and even greater dislike towards the gods. In spite of that, he respects those who are hardworking like Ganyu, and Diluc's unwavering attitude in protecting Monstadt.

In Chapter ii, act iv: Requiem of the Echoing Depths we learn that he used to be a royal guard in Khaenri'ah known by the title "Twilight Sword". One of his old subordinates is Halfdan, who reminds of Halfdan the black, a king of Vestfol, appearing in sagas such as Fagrskinna, Heimskringla and Ágrip which led me to believe there's a great deal of inspiration coming from Norse mythology when it comes to Khaenri'ah characters.

His constellation is called Snake ring, an ouroboros (= an ancient symbol depicting a snake or a dragon eating its own tail) which reminds me of Jörmungandr (= sea serpent and middle child of Loki).

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ii. Name Origin

The name Dainsleif and the title "Twilight Sword" are not mere coincidence. Dainsleif was one of the mightiest weapons in viking mythology. According to Snorri Sturluson, the icelandic author of "Prose Edda", Dainsleif was crafted by the dwarf Dain, the most talented craftsman in the universe, thus Dainsleif translates to "Dain's legacy".

A curse was laid upon this blade, a thirst for blood. Should you unseathe it, someone will have to die to quench its thirst. No scratch caused by it will ever heal, and it never misses its target.

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iii. The Eternal Battle

Dainsleif features in "Prose Edda" as the weapon wielded by King Hogni.

The story tells us how King Hogni came to meet with other kings, bringing his beloved daughter along: Princess Hild. Princess Hild caught the eye of king Hedin Hjarrandason and was thus seized by him.

Being informed of this, king Hogni calls his men and goes to rescue his daughter. Princess Hild told her father that she wishes the two kings would make peace, but he craved vengeance, and declared he wants to wage war on those who dared touch his daughter.

King Hogni informs that it's far too late to back down from the fight, for he's already unseathed Dainsleif:

'Thou hast made this offer over-late, if thou wouldst make peace: for now I have drawn Dáinsleif, which the dwarves made, and which must cause a man's death every time it is bared, nor ever fails in its stroke; moreover, the wound heals not if one be scratched with it.'

—Skáldskaparmál

The battle between King Hogni and Hedin started, and it lasted what's said to be an eternity, princess Hild being the one to repeatedly resurrect the fallen soldiers so they could keep fighting on.

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iv. Twilight of the Gods

Ragnarok is the battle at the end of the world.

After a series of catastrophes, such as the Eternal Battle, when the Norns (=spinners of fate) decide it, the world will face the Great winter. Yggdrasil, the cosmos tree will tremble and everything it held together -trees and mountains alike- will fall apart. Skoll and Hati who have been chasing the sun and moon since the beginning of time will finally catch them. Jörmungandr will let go of his tail and spill the seas over. Then he will spit his venom all over the world.

After consulting the head of Mimir, the wisest of all beings, Odin will agree with the other gods to go to battle despite knowing what the prophecies foretold. Thus they'll meet on Vigrid (="Plain where battle surges"). The battle will take place between the gods, led by Odin, the monsters led by Loki and Sutrr, and the giants. The battle will result in the end of the divine.

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v. Conclusions

The phrase "The war has already begun, it is just a continuation of past battles." said by Dainsleif in the Tevyat Story Preview is exactly like the situation of Ragnarok. With the civilizations of Tevyat being destroyed and rebuilt continuously (eg. Enkanomiya, the civilization in the chasm more ancient than Khaenri'ah, the fall of Khaenri'ah and now the Abss twin's attempt to revive Khaenri'ah) the balance of the world is in danger. Ultimately, the world serpent has to let go of its tail, whatever that means for Dain, so the destruction of the gods could occur to reach the end of a seemingly eternal war.

Comparing him to the legendary sword, we can make a parallel between King Hogni and the Abyss twin, seeing as they once traveled together. What are the similarities?

King Hogni didn't listen to reason and unseathed Dainsleif without hesitation, aware of the curse. He acted rashly and irrationally, seeking revenge, going as far as ignoring his own daughter's wishes for peace. He sacrificed innocent people's lives in this eternal war in order to meet his goal.

The Abyss twin tried to forcefully cure the once people of Khaenri'ah with the mysterious device in The Chasm, despite being aware that their plan has a less than 1% chance of succeeding. Moreover, this attempt has caused the cursed ones more agony than anything.

The similarity is very clear: King Hogni and the Abyss twin both go on a journey to save something taken away from them and choose to make justice for themselves. But their thirst for vengeance makes them insensitive and irrational, unwilling to sit down and discuss their perspective, which will lead to Ragnarok, to ultimate destruction.

What differs in these two tales? As you guessed, Dainsleif.

Dainsleif is strongly opposed to the twin's plan, stating "I have lived with this curse for 500 years, and I have been fully conscious the entire time.. suffice to say, no one understands the curse like I do." about which he is entirely right if you ask me.

But this puts him in the position of the enemy in the twin's eyes, because he is not fulfilling his duty as a weapon/servant of vengeance and calimity. Instead he wants only to stop the Abyss from doing such reckless things in order to prevent more tragedy.

But as he states, "It is a way of branding us at the level of the fate of the world itself." meaning that he is destined for tragedy regardless the course of action he chooses to take. It is a battle against fate itself, much like Ragnarok and now, the curse of the Dainsleif sword that is meant for slaughter.

In conclusion, I can't help but see him as a very tragic character with an immense role to play at the end of the story. Because as the Twilight Sword and World Serpent, his fate is to bring forth the Twilight of the Gods, thus ending the continuing battle between monsters, abyss and the divine.

Dainsleif will have to battle his destructive nature, but will he succeed to undo the strings of fate? Can someone who's already given up fighting the divine bring an end to the Heavenly throne? We'll just have to wait and see.

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And there we go!! To whoever made it to the end of this, I am profoundly if it was too long, I really tried my best to not write a novel here. And I'm really sorry for my poor English! It's not my first language so yeah..

If you have any suggestions what should I analyze next, don't be shy to send them! I got just enough time on my hands now :) Take care!❤️

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bananaapplewaffle · 2 years

Text

Genshin Chapter II: Omnipresence Over Mortals Act IV: Requiem of the Echoing Depths Spoilers

it just hit me that Kaeya has been experiencing the curse this whole time

grabs laptop

Time for you all to learn of the Hurt.

Edit: Here’s the Hurt.

#waffle rambles #genshin spoilers #genshin archon quest

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alieinthemorning · 2 years

Text

The Stars' Stigmata [Kaeya Alberich]

Content: Angst, Genshin Impact Chapter II: Omnipresence Over Mortals Act IV: Requiem of the Echoing Depths Spoilers

Pronouns: None

Reblogs: Appreciated!

Today was going to be a bad day.

You could tell by the stone in your stomach

the constant tickle in your nose.

So, you braced yourself.

But it never came.

However,

“Come now. Right there.” You instructed as calmly as possible, making sure he was sat before turning to lock the door.

You knew today was going to be a bad day.

After locking the door, placing a chair underneath the knob for good measure, you returned to your beloved’s side.

“This isn’t the normal pains.”

He exhaled from his nostrils. “Correct… I feel the curse—ung!” He slammed a fist on his desk.

You grit your teeth.

The curse from the gods.

The same gods to bless you both with Visions.

How ironic.

“...there’s something aggravating about it—” He ripped his eyepatch off.

You gasped.

You didn’t mean to you

You’ve seen it before but

The angry red that mixed with the deep blues and purples were scary.

Tears were beginning to well in your eyes.

“I’m sorry…”

And despite it all,

he smiled.

“There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

Regardless, of his kind words

and that strained smile.

You knew

that more bad days were to come.

So I had a little realization

and this was born!

Also!

That last line!

That's a warning to y'all. I'm on angst roll :)

Tip Jars | Commission | Masterlist

#alie ficlet #genshin x reader #kaeya x reader

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danafeelingsick · 2 years

Text

ʜɪᴅᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴘᴀɪɴ 1/2

ᴘᴀʀᴛ 2

NON-KINK BLOGS AND MINORS DNI

[SPOILERS] Takes place after Chapter II: Act IV of the Archon quest – Requiem of the Echoing Depths, where Dainsleif is found by Aether and Paimon still in the chasm, weakened and injured, and at the verge of collapsing.

ᴀᴏ3

ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇɴᴛ ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ coughing, implied fainting, blood, mentions of violence, vomiting, motion sickness, exhaustion, descriptions of wounds, wound cleaning/wound patching, fever

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ 4.1k~

Author's note: i've decided to put these back here, i hope no one minds. now this fic, i wrote it rather quickly, because the whump of that mission was prime material for me. the way he screams, the way he coughs, the way he undermines his pain ଘ(੭ˊ꒳ˋ)੭✧ i couldn't let it pass. but with the requests i have in line, i forgot to post this. so here it is, i really need to use dain more for emeto. nothing like a strong man crushed down.

Somehow, Dainsleif had heard him. But perhaps it was already too late.

It could have been the strain on his voice, the shuddering breaths he could barely suppress, or the soft hisses that would leave his mouth as he spoke. But no longer he could hide the struggle it was to stay afoot.

Aether saw through the stern look behind his masquerade, even as he continued talking, hoping to deter his attention. As soon as that weakened cough left him, there was a mutual understanding of how far he had gone. But Aether didn't dare to say it yet.

The man turned to leave, to roam once more, and Aether saw his shoulders quiver, his unsteady steps threatening to miss the fragmented terrain. He remarked, once more, about the traveler's lack of a choice, then and there, and hoped he would've made his decision by the next time they met.

Had he known it would be this soon? Of course not.

The traveler ventured farther into the chasm, tending to his already long list of commissions, unable to take Dainsleif's strained husky voice out of his mind. He tried to focus on the task, but no sooner than a few hours of exploration later, he found him.

Or at least, Paimon had found him, pointing out a man clad in black and blue, carrying the night sky on his flowing cape, bracing the cave's wall as his struggling breaths filled the ominous silence.

“Dain!”, she zoomed towards him, the traveler right behind, his heart heavy trying to slow him down. “Dain, what's wrong? Weren't you going to rest? What are you still doing here?”, she questioned, her voice shrill with desperation.

Aether couldn't speak, his eyes kept roving over Dainsleif's weakened form, looking for something, anything that screamed for immediate attention, and how to act. Something that justified how someone took as powerful as he had been reduced to a cowering shivering mess.

A faint smell of acid permeated the air, giving Aether pause as he thought of so many types of poison that could be coursing through his bloodstream.

He looked at him, at the beads of cold sweat rolling down his forehead, sticking the pale blonde strands of hair to his skin, the smear of off-white foam on his lips, his chest rising and falling with shallow encompassed breaths.

Then he spotted the thin trickle of pale bile running down the front of his clothes, and the dark red sprouting from his side, almost imperceptible under the dark fabric, even more in the shadowy depths of the chasm.

“You are hurt”, Aether mumbled, feeling the frigid panic gripping his chest as he kneeled beside him, his hands drifting towards the oozing wound.

“I was… attacked”, Dainsleif rasped, shifting as he tried to sit upright, wincing when newfound pain coursed through his body, his vision blinking out of existence for a second that lasted for too long. “By an abyss… mage.”

“Don't move”, Aether practically ordered as he went to steady Dain, holding his shoulders parallel to the cave's wall, there to catch him if he blinked again. “Where is it now?”

Dainsleif groaned at first, briefly closing his eyes as he motioned towards somewhere behind the two, where a pile of white twigs laid as if marking a grave.

“I was able to defeat it”, he informed, holding a fist over his mouth as he coughed harshly into it, wincing at the twisting pain shooting through his abdomen. “But it still… managed to wound me.”

The scowl on his face denounced shame, allowing such a lowly creature to hurt him, to catch him at his weakest. But Aether had nothing but sympathy in his gaze, or perhaps it was just pity. Dainsleif looked away from the traveler's golden eyes, eyeing the floating fairy on his way to gaze at the ground, a small huff leaving his mouth.

“Be careful in your exploration. There could still be more of them… lurking”, he offered the advice as a send-off, shaking his head as noted the stubbornness of his tone.

Aether frowned at his words, his eyebrows furrowing as he gazed at the wound, feeling the sickly salty stench of fresh blood stinging his nostrils.

“Dainsleif, can you walk? Just a few steps?” he questioned, followed by sounds of him rummaging through trinkets and supplies as he sought something. “I can take you somewhere safe.”

The wounded man merely shrugged, watching as the traveler settled what looked like a ceramic teapot on the ground. This had to be some sort of joke, he thought, feeling his arms slipping under his and swiftly lifting him off the ground.

Dain let out a shuddering gasp of surprise as Aether hauled his arm over his shoulder, forcing his form into a vertical one and stretching his torso in the process, sending blood leaking out of the laceration on his side. He moaned in pain, unable to contain the sounds within him, and Aether froze under him.

He was shivering so much it was hurting, his muscles tensing each time a cold breeze seemed to come from under his skin. The sudden motion sprouted uncomfortable dizziness just above his eyes, blurring his vision for a couple of moments, he struggled to make out his feet right under him.

“Hold on. You too, Paimon”, Aether said, taking one careful step forward, focusing his mind on envisioning stony peaks and dusk skies.

Dainsleif felt a warm breeze pass by him, but the comfort it brought was fleeting, as the current started swirling in front of him. It felt like he was falling, then he was floating, and then he was back at the ground again, with Aether looming over him, supporting his weight as he went limp.

Had he fainted? He barely blinked and now, he was on his hands and knees, groaning as dizziness came in numbing waves over his head, piling on until he could barely see what was below him, the heat from his face making his vision wave.

Paimon's voice was sounding off somewhere, but the meaning of her run-on sentences was lost behind the wall of white noise enveloping his head.

Mercifully enough, he barely felt it when vomit gushed out of him, splattering onto the grass with a heavy almost sharp sound. He only noticed the added taste, unbearably sour and almost rotten, renewing the previous coat of acid once there.

He could barely breathe around the heartburn, his mouth hanging open as dense saliva and vomit drizzled out, thoroughly soaking the blades of grass.

His queasy stomach wobbled inside, sending nausea rippling across his esophagus, and rushing to his head. His brain seemed to be swimming inside, he felt so sick and disoriented it wouldn't command his mouth to close, leaving him pathetically drooling.

“I've got you”, he heard Aether say just above him, feeling his slender fingers gathering the strands of hair glued to his face by sweat and grime. “Just try to breathe, okay?”

And he tried, but his efforts were swiftly cut by a larger denser wave of puke adding to the steaming pile between his hands. He felt it lazily slide off his tongue as he gagged, spitting out what felt like a mush laced with wet cotton clogging his throat.

Dainsleif coughed harshly, trying to clear his throat of the scorching acid, each involuntary motion sprouting pain on his side as if the wound was being pried open and dug into.

The heavy sense of nausea crept back in the same pace it cleared away, momentarily leaving him panting, aware enough to see the puddle of a pale paste of digested stomach contents in between his hands. Blades of grass cut through the puddle, making him think in detail about porridge and how it tasted.

He had to suppress another gag.

“Dain? Can you hear me?” he could, but answering required energy he couldn't spare now, so he hummed. “We should go inside, think you can stand up?”

Truly, he thought he couldn't, but he still forced himself back on his knees, the traveler lifting him with little effort as he did so. The motion sent his stomach flipping on its side, reminding him of the acute taste of vomit on his mouth, it was impossible to ignore.

“Oh, what a mess…”, he heard Paimon mumble to herself as she hovered close to them.

“I didn't mean to…”, Dainsleif tried to justify, the words pouring out of him slurred before he could consider them.

“It's fine”, the traveler stitched himself in between the two, before any had the chance to protest. “It happens. Hah, for some reason, a lot of people get motion sick coming in and out of the teapot. I think it's something you just get used to.”

Teapot? He thought he misheard him, but apparently, they were in some type of inner world inside an artifact. Not exactly something novel for him, given how long he had existed, and how far he had traveled. But now, Dainsleif couldn't trust his senses entirely, so he reserved his critical thinking in exchange for brief astonishment.

“W-Where…?”, Dain rasped as he took in his surroundings, blinking away the greyish tendrils lingering in the corners of his vision.

He was standing in the middle of a floating island, with bright green grass under his boots, and stone peaks surrounding them, its roots obscured amidst clouds. Were they even in Teyvat still? There was a large construction a few steps from them, a mixture of architectures combined with surprising harmony.

“It's a teapot realm, adeptal energy”, the traveler scrambled to explain, he must've noticed the confusion in his tone. “Ah, Tubby can explain it better than me.”

Dainsleif weakly shook his head, he didn't have it in him to withstand the lecture, he had to muster all of his energy into not falling to his knees right then and there. But he didn't have to endure it for long.

The traveler was moving quickly, taking in the direction of the large house, then through the door, and swiftly through the hallways. Dainsleif couldn't even participate in the impromptu tour, the pain was too much for him to register his surroundings, his head felt hollow with a phantom lingering within its walls. He could still taste something foul in his mouth.

With his help, Dain settled on a soft mattress, feeling it sink under him as it invited his weary centuries-old body for a rest. He took deep careful breaths, trying to ignore the room that seemed to be spinning before his eyes, and that horrible rancid smell clinging to his nostrils.

“Dain…?” He heard the familiar sounds of Paimon's cape wobbling as she hovered close by, and cracked an eye open to see her face of concern relax if only a little. “Oh, phew, you're awake… Uh, how are you feeling?”

Truly, Dainsleif didn't have an answer for it. He felt, well… as if he was dying. But that was impossible, and he knew it.

The burning sensation of that hellish device had all but faded, leaving a ghostly cold hollow feeling in its place. Yet still lingered on the tips of his fingers, weighing on his chest, making him feel as if he had been boiled from the inside and now left to rot.

And the taste kept coming back to his mouth in waves, washing over his tongue, building up to a pool of dense saliva that he had to swallow whenever he felt it dribble down the side of his lips.

Dainsleif let out a hum of discussion, letting his head fall to the other side as he hoped this would deter the little one from questioning him further. Yet, she simply watched him, eyes wide with concern while she still awaited an answer.

“Paimon, can you go pick some fresh mint leaves for us?”, Aether asked calmly, settling a few supplies on the foot of the bed and sitting on a stool by the side of it.

“Of course. Paimon will be right back!”, she exclaimed, disappearing into thin air and leaving star-shaped particles where her little form used to be.

Aether let out a small sigh as he found himself alone, Dainsleif shuddering breaths and stifling coughs filling the momentaneous silence. He reached out with a hesitant hand, more like an invite.

“Will you let me see your wounds?”, he asked, his eyes already glued to it as he saw the thick line of coagulated blood move along with his breathing.

“As if I have a choice…”, he hummed, humorless, starting to undo the straps holding his cape, letting the shimmering fabric spread across the white sheets. “I can tell you won't let me rest.”

“I will once I've cleaned and patched that”, Aether responded with a tone of sincerity, turning to his pile of supplies and prepping a cloth along with a small vile of a clean solution, the smell of alcohol gently drifting off it as he popped it open.

“And the mint leaves? Some home remedy?”, Dainsleif inquired without taking his eyes off the meticulous lines that held his suit together.

“Oh, that was just in case you wanted mint tea later. It helps a lot with nausea if you can keep it down”, Aether chuckled, sorting out the few of his medical supplies as he waited.

Dain hummed in response, carefully removing one sleeve of his suit, yet still holding the other as a way to obscure that side of his torso. He let the torn fabric drape onto the bed, exposing the extent of his wounds.

Aether couldn't help the soft hiss that left his lips as his eyes landed on the deep gash on the side of his torso. It looked raw like something sharp had rocketed past him, taking a piece with it.

The blood had already dried around it, forming a nasty layer of caked dust and a sheen of rust over his skin. The surrounding flesh had an unnatural purple and red hue spreading close to the laceration as if it had been frostbitten.

Aether tried to hide his surprise as he approached the area with a cloth, dabbling more alcohol onto it before he gently pressed it against his skin.

Dainsleif winced at the cool touch, pain prickling across his skin, but he stayed fairly still, sucking in greedy breaths through his teeth every time it moved.

“I'm sorry. I know it hurts”, Aether murmured under him, trying to be the most gentle he could as he carefully removed the blood clots.

“It's… bearable”, Dain responded, clenching his eyes shut as each movement sent a horrifying numbness to his whole body.

None of the two believed him. Not when Dainsleif seemed to be growing paler by the second, his face drenched in a cold sweat, trailing down his neck and chest. True to his words, he believes the pain would become bearable the more he endured it, but it only added to the growing numbing nausea making his throat feel like it was being squeezed.

He kept swallowing repeatedly, his adam's apple overtaxed with so many travels. He pressed his lips and clenched his teeth, trying to fight the urge to curl over himself. He felt sick to his stomach.

Aether kept a close eye on him, unsure if he would have to leap to catch him any time soon. He retrieved the cloth as he finished the cleanup, seeing the dark smudges and red stains lining the once white fabric, and he folded it, storing it away. It would do, for now, he noted, seeing that the laceration wasn't as deep as he thought, and it had stopped bleeding on its own.

“I'm sorry… I've dealt with pain better in the past”, Dainsleif remarked as embarrassment ate at his face, something he thought he couldn't feel anymore after half a millennia. He didn't dare to look Aether in the eyes.

“It's okay. You know you don't have to be strong all the time”, Aether said sincerely, a small sympathetic smile forming on his lips. “There are no enemies here, no abyss order. It's just a place to gather friends and enjoy some peace and quiet. It feels like it's not even part of Teyvat sometimes.”

Dainsleif could see what he meant, but he certainly couldn't feel it. The very reason he was sitting there, enjoying said peace and quiet were because he had let himself relax, let his guard down in such a dangerous place, in the core of the dirt infested with terrors.

And that was why that accursed cryo mage had ambushed him, and why he had been a second too slow as to let that icicle perforate him. That was why that abyssal creature had managed to rip a piece of his torso off.

Aether took a roll of gauze and secured it around Dain's waist, excusing himself as he laced an arm around him and passed the fabric. His hand fell from the coat, letting it drape from his shoulder as Aether fit his inside, completing a turn and tightening it slightly. To hold it in place, he put a few pieces of tape at the end.

“There, all done. You should still see a doctor, though. This might take a bit to fully heal”, he told.

Dain hadn't said a word in so long, Aether was starting to think he had fallen asleep while seated. He came to notice the muscles of his neck were tense and apparent under his pale skin, and he was shivering still, a slight blush to his forehead and cheeks.

Aether took the medical kit and went to store it away, never taking his eyes off the man clinging to the edge of the bed. He watched as he shifted slightly, his eyes fluttering open, one hand hovering weakly close to his neck.

“T-Traveler…”, he rasped, swallowing what sounded far denser than just saliva. Aether stopped in his tracks as he heard his voice bordering on a whimper, heavy with nausea. “I don't feel… well.”

Aether rushed to his side only to find out his warning had come in several moments too late.

Dainsleif jolted forward with a weak retch that sent pale vomit cascading out of his mouth, landing on the carpeted floor with an almost soft sound. If he hadn't spoken, Aether wouldn't have noticed given how muffled the sound was.

The man hurriedly tried to placate the stream with his hand, but all it did was coat it in a sickening off-colored slurry, leaving it dripping on his pants. He panted, wide-eyed staring at the mess he couldn't contain, then at the traveler who looked just as shocked.

“Oh, no…”, Aether mumbled, taken aback by the suddenness of the situation. He would be impressed if he wasn't stunned, the sheer quantity of vomit Dain had produced in the space of an hour was starting to worry him.

He looked around, searching for any container he could grab, spotting a trash can in the corner of the room, he made a beeline for it.

Dainsleif had already leaned forward, barely able to turn his head from his lap before more vomit rushed out of him, landing between his legs with a disgusting now heavy splatter. He gripped the edge of the bed so tightly his knuckles were white, harsh coughs rattling his pale frame as he struggled through the spell.

The soiled hand kept drifting towards the wound on his side, hovering over it but afraid to touch it, his fingers arching into claws. With each contraction of his body, as his stomach squeezed itself empty, the pain would sprout from the laceration, sending a numbing shiver that spread across his torso in surging waves, like electricity coursing under his skin.

He let out sharp coughs that rattled his lungs. It stung as if shards of glass were being driven into his innards, perforating his chest every time it expanded.

As soon as he caught a small break he sucked in greedy gasps, hissing in between his teeth as it felt like a pike had been shoved through his side.

A container came sliding onto his lap, and he clung to it for dear life, promptly purging his stomach contents over the crumpled papers within.

It felt like he wouldn't be able to stop now that it started all over again, feeling that repulsive now off-yellow mush pouring out of his mouth, making his mouth taste utterly revolting. His stomach seemed to be squeezing itself harder now, tapping at the bright stomach acid mixed with the food he had eaten before.

When was the last time he ate? And what was it? He could barely remember, as the mushy texture and the faint smell of fermentation got washed over by the sour stench of fresh stomach acid. The attempts to call back any taste except rotten bile only resulted in making him gag, burying his head further into the bin as more puke splashed inside.

He couldn't look at the traveler. His face burned with shame and fever, coated in a sheen of cold sweat and a mixture of sickness and saliva hanging off his nostrils in dense ropes. But he knew he was there, keeping the bin firm in his lap as his hand rubbed timid circles on his bare skin, heat rolling off him.

The spells grew thin and more sparse, resulting in only a few trickles of bile dribbling off his tongue as nausea started to die down. His stomach throbbed under his skin like a sore wound, quivering inside each time he breathed. He could only pant as the expel sapped his remaining energy.

“Dain?”, the traveler called, again and again, one hand going to cup his cheek, drifting towards his neck then leaping to his forehead. A soft hiss left his mouth as the heat prickled his palm. “Goodness… you're burning up.”

“...guh, ughh”, he responded by gagging weakly, unable to come up with anything as his belly lay empty and achy. “I apologize… for the mess. I couldn't… gh–”, he groaned pitifully, his throat raw bringing the faint taste of salt to his tongue.

“Hey, shush… it's okay. You don't need to apologize. You've been through a lot today”, Aether hurried to comfort him, feeling his heart sink when he heard the strain on his voice. “Did any of it get on you? Do you need to change?”

Dainsleif just shook his head, slightly unsure of how to respond to it, he could still feel the slimy coat of cold vomit on his hand, some spurts of it drying in his pants, staining his shoes.

“I don't… think so”, he rasped, extending the soiled hand for Aether to envelop in a clean cloth.

Carefully, he picked up the now-offending bin and put it by the side of the bed, trying to ignore how much heavier it was now, the vomit sloshing inside, the rustling of wet papers, and the strong stench of sickness permeating the room.

“Listen… I'll have to call someone to take a look at you. Are you okay with that?”, he asked as he sat back down, helping him put on his torn suit once again, leaving it unbuttoned.

“There's no need… It'll heal in no time”, Dainsleif protested as Aether ran the clean side of cloth under his nose and mouth, thoroughly cleaning the smears of vomit on his face.

“I'm not talking about that cut anymore. Well, that too, but I mean the fever, nausea… in the best-case scenario, you caught an infection from it. Worst, well…”, he frowned. “Their plan worked.”

Dainsleif felt his stomach cower, closing his eyes again and shaking his head. “It's impossible”, he stated firmly.

“I know, but still. We should be sure”, Aether insisted. “I could call someone from Mondstadt. You've been there, they know– I mean, they've seen you.”

“Traveler, I'd rather”, Dain started, but cut himself off, taking a deep breath instead. “Could you at least wait… for me to rest first? If the fever doesn't wear off...”

“Oh, alright”, he begrudgingly accepted, at least slightly relieved that he finally had decided to hear him. “But if you get any hotter, I'll call them immediately.”

“Do what you want”, Dain huffed, coming off harsher than he anticipated, but he was already sliding himself under the covers, muffling his worries under soft blankets.

“Would you… like me to stay?”, he asked, almost in a whisper.

The traveler wasn't showing any signs of leaving in the first place, denying him a rest free from his watchful eyes, but maybe that was what Dainsleif needed now. Someone to watch over him. “I don't mind.”

Aether let out a small chuckle as he scooted his stool a little closer, crossing his legs as he prepared for the long stay, conjuring one of the many books he received as a gift during his travels.

“Get better soon, Dain.”

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